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Why Are We So Reluctant to Acknowledge Our Kids’ Challenges?
Like every parent, I believe my child is the absolute cutest little human on the planet. Funny how we all share that belief, isn’t it? The moment your baby flips from tummy to back, you start envisioning how their life will unfold, convinced they’re destined for greatness—maybe even a genius!
But let’s be real: that initial enchantment tends to fade. When your child is still that adorable bundle but seems to struggle academically, you might start to question things. Take the dad on Reddit, who voiced his worries about his daughter:
“I don’t think she’s actually dumb, but has anyone else experienced a child who finds school really tough? My daughter, at 6, is sweet and caring, yet when it comes to learning, she seems to give up.”
He’s been working hard with her on reading and spelling, hoping for that perfect score on her weekly tests. Unfortunately, her highest score has been an 80 percent—and that’s rare!
I completely relate to his anxiety over his little girl. His concerns come from a place of love, not vanity. He continues, “She avoids reading even when it’s something simple that she knows how to do.” Now, with the possibility of ADHD or a learning disability on the table, he feels the pressure, especially with finances being tight and tutoring out of reach.
I remember thinking my daughter was destined for greatness with her dazzling looks and sharp mind. But once your child enters school, reality hits hard. You quickly learn that kids in kindergarten can range from not knowing their ABCs to reading fluently, and your child is somewhere in between. And let’s face it, no one is as impressed with your child’s skills as you are!
Even if your kid is a whiz in the classroom, there’s always that lurking “secret fear” we dare not voice. For some parents, it’s the worry that their child might not be the most attractive or coordinated. For others, it might be concerns about their child’s social skills.
I fret over my child’s emotional maturity; she’s sensitive and can break into tears over the smallest things. While I cherish her empathy, I fear that the social challenges of middle school could be too harsh for her.
It’s refreshing to see that dad openly share his fears. I often wonder why we don’t do that more. Perhaps it’s because we fear crossing that line from concerned to critical, or maybe it’s the competitive parenting culture that makes us feel like we’re failing if we admit our child’s struggles.
But here’s the truth: It’s perfectly okay if your child is having a tough time. Recognizing their challenges is the first step to helping them.
For more tips and insights on parenting, check out this article on our other blog. If you’re looking for ways to support your child, Make a Mom offers some great resources. And for an excellent guide on pregnancy and home insemination, WebMD has you covered.
Summary
In parenting, admitting our children face challenges can feel daunting due to fears of judgment and competitiveness. However, acknowledging these struggles is essential for providing the necessary support. Our experiences vary, but it’s vital to remember that every child has their unique path, and facing difficulties is part of learning and growing.